Reviews of Stimela Star
Wildlife sightings and reviews
1 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Stimela Star and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Sep-2019, 1 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Stimela Star.
Mr & Mrs J,
Edinburgh
"An "experience""
1 night Arrived 7 Sep 2019
"We will start with the positives - the staff on the train were amazing, really friendly, helpful, and the food was excellent. The sleeping quarters were also very atmospheric and beautifully designed, and the beds surprisingly comfortable - really brought the old era of sleeper trains to life.
On the downside, the dining coaches were fine but very tired, and certainly did not look like anything you see in the photos on the Stimela Star website - the website could do with a more realistic makeover. In addition, it was clear that customers using the train to travel between Imvelo-owned safari lodges (who just happen to run the Stimela Star) had priority over other passengers. The train had been delayed leaving Victoria Falls and it was clear that Imvelo was not going to help us very much if our connections were messed up.
Finally, as the train leaves and arrives in the dark, there is no chance of any wildlife sightings (other than a lone warthog hanging around Victoria Falls station). All in all I would probably not choose to take the train again, but it was an interesting one-off experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
On the downside, the dining coaches were fine but very tired, and certainly did not look like anything you see in the photos on the Stimela Star website - the website could do with a more realistic makeover. In addition, it was clear that customers using the train to travel between Imvelo-owned safari lodges (who just happen to run the Stimela Star) had priority over other passengers. The train had been delayed leaving Victoria Falls and it was clear that Imvelo was not going to help us very much if our connections were messed up.
Finally, as the train leaves and arrives in the dark, there is no chance of any wildlife sightings (other than a lone warthog hanging around Victoria Falls station). All in all I would probably not choose to take the train again, but it was an interesting one-off experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
While it is true that many guests utilise the Simela Star as a unique way to travel between the train's sister properties, this is not always the case - as we arranged for these guests. Unfortunately, on this occasion the other passengers on this departure were part of one large group and it seems that they rather dominated proceedings.
Furthermore, we have noted the likely delays to this train, and have taken steps to ensure that this doesn't cause the same problems for our future travellers.
Finally, we've revised the comments abut the train on our website to reflect the lovely polished wood and good condition of the sleeper cabins, but also the rather more dated appearance and feel of the dining and lounge cars. We appreciate that the team behind the train have kept the carriages as close to their original condition as possible, and hope that this can be part of their charm for travellers who chose to use the Stimela Star.
Furthermore, we have noted the likely delays to this train, and have taken steps to ensure that this doesn't cause the same problems for our future travellers.
Finally, we've revised the comments abut the train on our website to reflect the lovely polished wood and good condition of the sleeper cabins, but also the rather more dated appearance and feel of the dining and lounge cars. We appreciate that the team behind the train have kept the carriages as close to their original condition as possible, and hope that this can be part of their charm for travellers who chose to use the Stimela Star.
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